New Beers on the Block

Two of Western North Carolina’s biggest breweries, Wicked Weed and Highland, debuted new brews this spring, each bringing exciting new flavors to regional favorites. 

More than ten years ago, the Dickinson and Guthy families gathered in Asheville to form Wicked Weed Brewing. The brewers made a commitment to Rick “Uncle Rick” Guthy to, “always serve Pilsner,” at their taproom. Their new release honors that promise with an aptly-named, hoppy brew, Pils. The light-bodied lager balances bitterness and sweetness alongside notes of botanicals. Released this spring, the Pils is available year-round.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, Highland Brewing was the first legal brewery in Asheville since Prohibition. In March, the taproom released two new mouth-watering beverages—the Highland Cerveza and Lounge Juice Double IPA. Cerveza, a malty, lime-infused Mexican-style lager, is available until June; Long Juice, on the other hand, can be sampled year-round. This DIPA has elements of passionfruit and pineapple, not to mention tropical hop oils to give the ale an extra zing.

Wicked Weed Brew Pub
91 Biltmore Ave., Asheville
Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight
(828) 575-9599; wickedweedbrewing.com

Highland Brewery & Taproom
12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Ste. 200, Asheville
Monday-Thursday 2 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday noon-10 p.m., Sunday noon-7 p.m.
highlandbrewing.com